Agricultural industries are a vital cog of society, providing food for the public as well as building materials from forestry.
However, it’s a risky industry to work in. The latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive show that construction is the only industry that featured more fatal accidents across 2021-22.
Non-fatal injuries are also common in agriculture, forestry and fishing, putting the onus on businesses to keep their employees as safe as possible by providing correct personal protective equipment and regular training.
The dangers of the agricultural industry
Working in agriculture comes with inherent risks and dangers in the line of everyday duties.
Large and heavy machinery with multiple moving parts is typically used to complete routine tasks, while there is also a heavy reliance on large vehicles such as tractors and harvesters.
Farmwork often involves lifting large and heavy items, while some livestock can also pose threats while moving them around fields and barns.
Rough terrain and working exposed to the elements also increase the risk of slips, trips and falls.
How fatal accidents occur in agricultural settings
According to the HSE, the majority of fatal accidents in the agricultural industry occurred in the following five circumstances.
- Struck by moving vehicle (29%)
- Injured by an animal (17%)
- Struck by moving object (14%)
- Falls from a height (14%)
- Contact with moving machinery (12%)
Slips, trips and falls account for more non-fatal injury than any other kind of incident, while lifting and carrying heavy objects also comes into play here.
It’s imperative that great care is taken to mitigate these risks. This involves regularly reviewing health and safety protocols, providing training to staff using different machinery and providing protective equipment such as boots, gloves and helmets.
What happens after suffering a farming injury?
Regardless of how you judge the severity of an injury to be, you should always seek treatment after suffering an injury in an agricultural setting. Trying to work through the pain and put off treatment could lead to aggravated symptoms and further injury.
Working while not at your strongest could also put someone else at a greater risk of suffering an injury as well.
If you suffer a serious injury that was due to someone else’s negligence or malicious actions, then you may be able to start a compensation claim.
A claim can help you cover the costs of any treatment you need, as well as cover lost income if you are unable to work for a period of time.
Some worry that making a claim against their employer may result in them losing their job. Please note that it is illegal for you to be sacked for bringing a claim against those who have a duty of care towards you.
